Hillsborough County Public Schools Curriculum and Instruction
Information Item

DATE: Tuesday, June 9, 2009
TO: School Board Members
FROM: MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent

SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS

Smaller Learning Communities (Academic Programs)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Initiative: Smaller Learning Communities will improve student academic achievement in large high schools with over 1,000 students by providing intensive interventions and by enrolling students in a coherent and rigorous course of study.

Goals:

Targeted Population: Smaller Learning Communities has been implemented at Armwood, Brandon, Durant, Hillsborough, Jefferson, King, Riverview, and Robinson high schools starting with 9th grade students.

Timeline: Smaller Learning Communities has been implemented in the school year 2008/2009 with 9th grade teams and will expand to include 9th and 10th grades next school year. Smaller Learning Communities will service students in the next three years to include 9-12 grades.

Staff Development: Each site has a Smaller Learning Community coordinator that monitors student data and acts as a school leader. Each site has a Smaller Learning Community team composed of core teachers and an Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) instructor. The staff has received service learning training, AVID, Advanced Placement, and guidance training.

Continued on attachment.

ANNUAL DISTRICT GOAL(S) AND CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S)

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates, * Motivate students to become responsible learners, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum, * Align the performance management system with the district’s priorities, * Promote a culture of safety, which is free from harassment, bullying, and aggression

FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted: No)

EVALUATION

N/A

SUBMITTED BY: Ansberto Vallejo, Supervisor of Academic Programs

Eric Bergholm
General Director, Advanced Academic Access
(813) 272-4550
Wynne A. Tye
Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction
(813 272-4221
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Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20090609_352 * Section B Item# 01